What is the purpose of citing written claim scope statements in patent files?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-30 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice. The primary purpose of citing written claim scope statements in patent files is to maintain consistency in the patent owner’s positions regarding claim scope across different proceedings. As stated in MPEP 2202 : “ The basic purpose for citing written claim scope statements is to ensure that the patent owner takes consistent positions regarding the scope of the claims of a particular patent in the courts and before the Office. “ This practice helps prevent patent owners from taking contradictory positions on claim scope in different forums, promoting fairness and consistency in patent enforcement and examination. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Patent Owner Can Submit Written Statements on Claim Scope MPEP 2202 Permitted Patent Owner Can Submit Prior Art MPEP 2202 Permitted Requirement for Consistent Claim Scope Positions MPEP 2202 Submission of Prior Art and Patent Owner Statements Required MPEP 2202 Permitted Prior Art Citation Requirement for Patent Files MPEP 2202 Recommended Separate Submission of Prior Art Without Request for Reexamination MPEP 2202 Permitted Explanation of Prior Art Required for Patent File MPEP 2202 Required Explanation Required for Prior Art Submissions MPEP 2202 Required Patent Owner and Ex Parte Requester Citations Required During Reexamination MPEP 2202 Citations by Patent Owner and Third Party Requester in Inter Partes Reexamination MPEP 2202 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Can citations be submitted anonymously to the USPTO? How are citations processed during an ex parte reexamination proceeding? Is there a fee for submitting prior art citations or written statements to the USPTO? What are the limitations on writ...